Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni on Friday announced the return of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) which is set to begin from September 19 in the UAE.
"#VIVOIPL 2021 is BACK and ready to hit your screens once again! Time to find out how this blockbuster season concludes, 'coz #AsliPictureAbhiBaakiHai! Starts Sep 19 | @StarSportsIndia & @DisneyPlusHS," IPL's official twitter handle tweeted along with the video.
Chennai Super Kings started preparations for the upcoming IPL at the ICC Cricket Academy in Dubai from Thursday. On the other hand, defending champions Mumbai Indians began their preparations at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium from today.
Meanwhile, last year's runners-up Delhi Capitals (DC) will depart for the UAE on Saturday. Star batsman Shreyas Iyer is already in the UAE with the fitness coach and the international stars will join the squad following the conclusion of their international commitments.
The 14th season of the IPL was scheduled to be held in May but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The opening match on September 19 in Dubai will be between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.
The action will then shift to Abu Dhabi where Kolkata Knight Riders will clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Sharjah will host its first game on September 24 when Royal Challengers Bangalore take on Chennai Super Kings.
In all, 13 matches will be held in Dubai, 10 in Sharjah, and 8 in Abu Dhabi.
In view of the prevailing pandemic, the BCCI has come up with a 46-page health advisory that everyone associated with the IPL will need to follow in order to ensure the smooth functioning of the league.